Before reading the post, please know that Dominica Weekly is all about providing useful information, and is no way affiliated with any political Parties or organizations.
The issue of an Oil Refinery in Dominica has raised many questions by different environment groups and occasions in Dominica. Not so long ago Prime Minister Skerrit made it clear that the oil refinery won’t be built until a complete environment impact study is done. But are still raising concerns by the Waitukubuli Ecological Foundation of the effects an oil refinery can have on Dominica’s environment.
Also the People’s Democratic Party leader Para Riviere said Prime Minister Skerrit failure to consult the people on the issue of the oil refinery is wrong, especially since the Energy Minister had said the people of Dominica would be the ones to decide.
With that being said, Dominica Weekly did some research on Oil Refineries and the effects they can have on an environment. We came up with these three videos by Terry Tamminen, who is an accomplish Author and Environmental Policy Advisor - take a look at what he has to say about Oil Refineries.
After watching these three videos, do you think that having an Oil Refinery in Dominica is a good idea? Please 
Let’s hear your opinions in the comments.
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I think It’s NOT good idea to have Oil Refinery in Dominica. It will spoil and destroy the one of the last nature places in the earth - Dominica. The Government of Dominica shouldn’t let to loose the treasure of this island. If it happens, you must to prepare that you will not able to swim in the rivers and sea.
In my town at Russia, which close to the Oil Refinery and other factories, nobody can swim at rivers, because its so dirty. And so many people get cancer. Actually in my family already died two
. I can’t account how many died people, who I just knew.
I agree. What does Chavez want from Dominica, and is it worth the price? Why can’t Dominica develop geothermal power?
By the way, the new site format is excellent.
I can hardly believe that an island that call itself “The Nature Island” would put a oil refinery on it????
why are Dominicans so anti development. There is always something they complain about.
Imagine Dominicans complain that the beach will spoil if hotels are built in Dominica…give me a break
What development will Dominica receive, if the government does decide to build an oil refinery in Dominica?
REMEMBER,DOMINICA IS THE NATURE ISLE,WHY SHOULD WE NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT SOMETHING THAT IS GOING TO DESTROY OUR BEAUTIFUL LAND.AN OIL REFINERY IN DOMINICA ISN’T GOING TO DEVELOP DOMINICA AT ALL. IT IS JUST GOING TO CAUSE POLLUTION AND SOON WE ARE GOING TO LOOSE OUR TOURISM INDUSTRY
Oil Refineries pollute.
The long term cost of the pollution is more than the persons living in Dominica can afford. Development must be for the good of the people.
Dominica’s competitive advantage, in a world of increasing environmental awareness, is its unspoiled natural environment. Real sustainable development must be in consort with good environment stewardship.
We say “APRES BONDIE CEST LATER”.
You are so very short sighted
I don’t know that they are. But they are cautious and somewhat skeptical, and with good reason. What benefits would Dominica derive from a refinery? Are there skilled high-paying jobs for Dominicans? Can our infrastructure support the refinery’s demands? As to hotels, the same questions and also questions about public beach access apply.
For Dominica’s economy to flourish we need EDUCATED (beyond Bachelor degree), EFFICIENT, NON LIARS, SELF SERVING candidates for leaders and ministers of tis country.
point one: Dominica isn’t America, France or any of the other industrialize nations in the world. It is ridiculous to compare Dominica to these places. We are a tiny island, with no voice in the UN, THE WORLD MARKET or on WALLSTREET!
point two: there will be no development because chavez “doh” plan on giving back any money to Dominica after he ruin our country.
point three: please tell me how this oil refinery would impact unemployment. I mean give me a break! Its almost like some Dominicans want to sell their soul for a few pennies.
Point four: Yes people, a high amount of tourism, hotels, oil refineries in this country will impact our environment. I think there are a few bleeding examples of that in the Caribbean such as Jamaica, St Maarten.
Before we support such a stupid venture as this we need to ask that prime minister, to go back school maybe get an appropriate degree, that would help him make the right decision for Dominicans. I love my home and I believe if we use other approaches towards tourism and farming Dominica’s economy will flourish.
One great Idea is to advertise to all those American, British, Aussie etc. environmental conventions that takes place all over the world except Dominica. These conventions bring millions of dollars into the economy. There are people willing to visit dominica and protect it. Skerritt simply needs to go back to school, to get his MBA, so he can negotiate wit an advantage for Dominicans! He taught me in CDCC, back then he use to say “If was the Prime Minister, I wouldn’t allow people to use Dominica..like edison james …blah, blah” now he is just a reflection of all the people he defamed back then. anyways thats my contribution today. excuse the typos. I’m in a rush. Nice website
you talk about development but are you in dominica bold face dominican? i am not sayin that the prime minister is right ok.. am just askin u a question..
but in pure fact an OIL REFINERY is NOT the best idea for Dominica.. trust me its a waste of our beautiful island..
Nito. I “doh” have to be in dominica for me to comment on my island that i lived in for 18 years and I visit every single chance i get, as often as twice a year. I stay updated to the issues. There are ways dominica caan be developed without taking crappy deals from other self serving government like chavez. I use to support them, but I’m better educated. The prime minister is making a bad decision. I think its time Domincans stop acting so primitive and question those stupid decisions that our governement makes. I say “OUR” because I’m still a Dominican Citizen. I have claimed no other nationalities and i think its ignorant of you to question my comments because you think I’m not in Dominica.. thats my right! May if you question the qualifications of your Prime Minister, the fact that he only has a degree in English and Psychology and is not qualified to make economic decisions like this, that would impact “US” Dominicans, maybe our country will be much better now. I’m saddened by the level of ignorance amongst Dominicans when it comes to this particular Prime MInister. When Edison James was doing his crap, people were complaining, when Mamo made bad decisions people protested, so there is no way I won’t protest for this incompetent prime Minster, who keeps riding on former Prime Minister gravy train. This is certainly ridiculous why would get in bed with leaders who are being isolated in the world?(ALBA) go ahead, research that group. Our country has produced very intelligent people, I just don’t understand where this governement come from. We need a fresh crowd and if truth be told I plan to be part of that fresh crowd, who will someday bring dominica to where it needs to be. Thats what it is, for to get educated and you had better believe that my degree is not in english or psychology. I have a positive attitude towards my country, but i simply detest incompetence. Skerrit is incompetent. thats my contribution. Thanks Dominican Weekly. Excuse my typos, as i said my degree is not in ENGLISH!
I attended the meeting on Feb. 13 of WEF and heard the PM speak to the group about his intentions to put the refinery on hold. Did I believe him?? My answer to that is “why do we have a tank farm already when very few people knew it was being built?” Speaking with a “forked tongue” is what they call it in Native American language. WAKE UP.
I own property on Dominica and run an alternative health care facility as well as a multimillion dollar resort that focuses on wellness, ecotourism and sustainable living. What is wrong with this picture if an oil refinery appears on the scene? IT IS INCONGRUENT WITH THE IMAGE OF DOMINICA AND WHAT WE ALL STAND FOR THAT IS NATURAL AND PRISTINE AND HEALTHY AND GLOBALLY VIABLE. Where there is incongruency there will be negative results. EVERYONE on and off the island who is remotely connected to Dominica will be impacted negatively with an oil refinery IN THE LONG TERM. So I am FOR developing other sources of sustainable energy that provide an honest source of income and economy for the people and keeping Dominica, clean, green and a gem of the world and the Caribbean.
I found these articles relating to oil and the refinery on another Web site, and repeat them below, with my follow-up questions in CAPITAL letters:
1. Minister Emphasizes Benefits Of Petro Caribe To Dominica
By Karishma Matthew- Thursday 14th February 2008
Employment is one benefit that citizens will soon see from government’s association with the Petro Caribe initiative. Minister responsible for Petro Caribe Affairs Reginald Austrie told a news conference Wednesday twenty four Dominicans will be employed when Petro Caribe is in full operation in the country. He also said the development of the energy sector is another benefit that will be seen from Petro Caribe, and noted that the much talked about Alba initiative is really an extension to the Petro Caribe agreement. The Minister said Petro Caribe will also create an opportunity for young entrepreneurs. According to Mr. Austrie, government is attempting to devise a financing scheme that will allow them to pay off their 60% to PDVSA within 90 days. He said forty percent will be invested in the productive sector at reasonable interest rates. This, he said would give an opportunity to young business persons to attract loans with part of that forty percent financing, at very low interest rates.
WILL THOSE JOBS FOR DOMINICANS BE GOOD JOBS, OR MENIAL?
2. Domlec Customers Could See 1.6 Cents Saving Next Month By Karishma Matthew- Thursday 14th February 2008
Customers of the Dominica Electricity Services Limited (Domlec) will realize a 1.6 cents saving in their electricity bill come March 2008. Those were the words of the Managing Director Joel Huggins when he addressed those gathered at a press conference Wednesday. He said however the 1.6 cents savings will only be seen if the price of oil does not increase further. DOMLEC’s Managing Director affirmed that if the market price remains stable, customers will see a reduction of approximately of 1.6 cents per kilo an hour. Drawing reference to the increase in the cost of fuel last year, Huggins said Government had reduced the tax from two dollars and thirty-eight cents to one dollar and 19 cents per gallon. He said that change would have made a little over six and a half cents difference in the surcharge, but even while that was done price of fuel escalated. He says therefore, although the benefit of that reduction was received by consumers, they did not receive it simply because it was overwhelmed by the increases in the market price.
HOW MUCH WOULD THE 1.6-CENT/KILOWATT REDUCTION MEAN IN THE TYPICAL MONTHLY ELECTRIC BILL?
3. WEF Wants Commitment That Oil Refinery Won’t Be Constructed Here
By Merville Defoe- Thursday 14th February 2008
President of the Waitikubuli Ecological Foundation (WEF) Joseph Williams says the foundation wants a commitment from government that an oil refinery will not be constructed on the island. Even as Prime Minister Skerrit reiterated that there has been a halt to the proceeds of the oil refinery, Williams says WEF’s position remains. The WEF President was at the time speaking at a meeting held Wednesday for stakeholders to discuss the proposed oil refinery. He told the gathering: “We cannot and we must not allow this to happen to our nature island. Further development of the oil refinery is on hold. We welcome that. We are certainly getting there, and what we’re looking for now is some commitment that we are not going to have an oil refinery installed on our island.” Mean time Leader of the Dominica Freedom Party Michael Astaphan says he is not convinced that Prime Minister’s decision to put a halt on the refinery is factual. He said: “It is clear that his administration has failed to get jobs for Dominica and in his desperation, an oil refinery, appears to be a solution.” Like WEF, the DFP leader is against an oil refinery on island.
I AGREE.
skerritt is a fool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He preys on citizens of Dominica that don’t know any better for support. I don’t care if his family kills, stretch or do anything to anybody, the fact that his family can be described as such, tells me all I need to know about this so called Prime Minister of Dominica who only became prime minster by default. Dominica needs better and until you ignorant set of people dont realize that he is not the best for this country and we can do better then Dominica remain last in everything in the Caribbean.
Please no need to threaten me, my family not nice as wells o bring it. Skerrit isn’t good for Dominica
Liars never make good leaders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gosh, if we can all agree at least that liars are awful leaders, imagine how I feel as an American, about Bush!
I wish to say one other thing: Please, everybody, be civil and polite on this blog (and to others in your life) and use rational debate, not name-calling, etc. Only real civil debate and facts can persuade anybody to one’s point of view. Also, the whole world can read this blog, so let’s be proud of Dominic and set a good example.
Thank you.
Okay, let me get this right, you call Bush a liar and a awful leader, yet you say please be civil and polite, your true nature shines bright!
Please like everywhere around this we name call in some fashion. One thing I am thrilled about as Dominican is that I honestly do have the freedom of speech an expression. I won’t be penalized for saying that the PM of my country is liar. I t is my honest opinion and if I cannot express that then what you guys do here is absolutely ridiculous. I didn’t use any “F” BOMBS”. The Prime Minister is a liar and all this so called tack you guys say will help reach a discussion won’t. If you are an American you should know better and I think you enjoy many rights afforded to you by living in Dominica. You are a foreigner Living in Dominica expressing your views. America is a fake democracy. Its Democracy is n’t pure and towards its people. I think I have been afforded those right to express my opinion since for many years I have had to watch my family campaign for retarded incompetent leaders except Mamo (although she was towards the rich in the end) and get nothing in return. Skerritt tactics are demeaning. He directs his ridiculous campaign towards those who don’t know better. He is a liar and for Dominica to do better they need to get rid of all these “old timers” severin, james, george and their old timer attitudes”. Why do we have to refine somebodies oil? Why the hell are we even considering that? Then again as I said before he has an english degree not an MBA .
Oh P.S: too all those threatening me on here it won’t work I will always speak my peace. I have finals coming up so you won’t see me on here for a while…lololol I love Dominica and we hate Liars.
One more thing:
Many of you on here keep copying and pasting companies photos and news articles, kindly please don’t forget copyright laws. Always reference your source(s) on quotes and the pictures you guys are suppose to actually reference the source on the images as well. Thanks!
Good luck on your finals. I don’t know who threatened or used bad language; that person did not use a name. I would never do that!
My parents had to flee Europe for their lives. I know no government can be perfect, and certainly the USA’s is not; it is the ideals of the USA in its Constitution that I like.
I am an old man now and will become Dominican by retiring and coming to live in Dominica; just as my parents became Americans (and I became one only by being born there). Dominica is also a democracy (parliamentary, not like America’s unique system, but along the British model) and has freedom of speech and great beauty. But like America or any place else, the democracy will only work and freedom can only be preserved by responsible people observing and voting.
Americans haven’t been responsible and observing, and as a result we have been having great failings by our government, and the present one is the very worst.
I also think that even saying that someone is a liar does little than provoke argument. It is best to explain exactly what the facts are and exactly what untruth has been spoken. That way the other party may come to understand and perhaps agree.
Peace.
You are quite right, and I deserve your reproach for not being specific.
Bush knew that Saddam did not have WMD and had not tried to obtain uranium from Niger, but he said both. He knew that no Iraqi but only followers of bin Laden, Saddam’s mortal enemy (bin Laden is a Sunni fundamentalist, Saddam was a Sh’ia turned secularist, and bin Laden offered his forces in 1991 to fight Saddam), and the war certainly has nothing to do with democracy! Also, a panel of historians last month voted to rate Bush as the worst president ever (not only for the war, but for destroying civil rights, torture, and destroying the economy, and for secret signing statements) replacing James Buchanan. Those are the facts. I forgot to mention them, and I apologize. I will be more careful in the future. Thank you.
dominicans welcome everyone with open arms unlike america where people think its the place to be. we have a mixture of all kinds here and i love it. But many people in dominica are on he honest, truthful side. Say what you have to say and mean it. I will call skeritt a liar and a “bor-ball” because thats what he is! Self serving and incompetent! So Mr.Tanner are you AN Obama fan or a Clinton fan?…lol
Please don’t hold against me the fact that I was born in America — it was not up to me (or even to my parents, who were brought here as children).
America presents economic opportunities. I know Dominicans who are working here (illegally), but I am in their favor and would never, ever, ever, reveal who they are.
Someone asked , “Why should we (Dominica) refine oil for somebody else?” Well, I also agree that an oil refinery on Dominica is a terrible idea (for many reasons given above in this blog). But there is a deeper meaning to this question. Oil refineries have to be somewhere — the trick is to find the best places, and then the local people in those places probably won’t be happy about it, except for those who get jobs. And remember, Dominicans want to drive their cars, boats, buses and tractors, and generators too.
The world and its people are interdependent. Why should a farmer grow more than he can eat, or a fisherman catch more fish than he can eat? The answer is simple,: Each can do what he does best and trade his surplus. Getting and refining oil is no different. But we must be fair and wise, and that is never easy nor will all accept the wisdom. Just as children often won’t accept the wisdom of grownups who send them to school!
Once again, Peace…
Long live Cuba and its revolution.
“My patriotism is all embracing, its not an exclusive thing and I will reject any patriotism that seek to mount distress against other nationalities….”- Mahatma Gandhi”
I hope you don’t think I’m a liar and unwelcoming just because I was born in the USA. My Dominican friends certainly don’t think that of me!
I am not a fan of any of the candidates, and I won’t vote. On balance, if I were forced to choose, I’d go for Barak Obama.
There is no comparative advantage for Dominica refining oil. None! Nobody can convince me of that! Yeah we run our boats, cars, trucks too…but none of these big league countries care abut Dominica or tiny islands like us. If they need they would never ripped apart our banana industry like they did living our farmers without work, people with less money and our economy as they did. People who have never lived in D.A during its stress like to come and think they know what’s best for this country. This refinery will not give Dominica the economic push that it needs!!!
Please stop running slippery slope information on here. Is either you for it or against it!
How can I be clearer? I am and have always been, and will remain to be totally opposed to building an oil refinery, or even an oil transfer station in Dominica. I have said so in that blog. I have just said that there are better places to refine oil, and that is good because other places where it is not good to refine it (like Dominica) still need to obtain the refine product.
Dominica’s role appears to be a natural paradise. We need to develop a tourism industry in Dominica that preserves and protects its environment and also provides economic and educational benefits to Dominicans. Quite possibly also, although much study will be needed, Dominican geothermal power can be developed in a proper, safe, and beneficial manner.
I note in recent news that there was an early morning diesel oil spill in Jimmit, and it is only through luck and prompt action that it did not reach the sea! That only goes to show what a potential disaster a refinery and/or storage facility in Dominica would be.
I am very sorry to be misunderstood. Please read me carefully. I try to be clear.
As I see everybody in these comments worry and wants prosperity for the Dominica. So, let’s start to think what we can do (each of us) for to improve the situations. I mean the constructive ideas - and take actions. Let’s focus on exactly how each of us see the future for Dominica and how we can achieve it together. Because the two people is stronger than one, the three is better than two…
no need to be clearer Dan! (veselo) yes we do have constructive ideas on here. We are exchanging our own personal views, if thats okay with you and everybody else on here. This is a blog, where individuals should be allowed to agree or disagree with each other. Why is it that you are asking us to do the same thing we have been doing here? There is no straight line to an idea or a thought. There are always different routes to take, everything in life is linked some way or the other, so if we do stray a bit away from the topic thats okay, once it relates to the opinion we are trying to express. I would never work in group with persons who always agree with what I say. Opposition is necessary for great dialogue, so relax and let us enjoy this blog.
So, how do you want to help Dominica?
Mu education is in physics and mathematics and electronics. I will be happy to voluntarily teach these subjects to those willing to learn.
well I am a “doer” veselo and when my degree(s) MD, PHD is finished I will be returning home to open my own engineering firm, to run for public office to ensure that we allow dominicans to have a say in who buys and sell our land, to ensure that more dominicans interested in opening small business get an advantage over foreigners who attain businesses easily, to ensure that my country men and women have homes, to ensure that those investors who seek to make money off Dominica pay huge dividend in taxes which would go towards building our schools, road it goes on on. You see unlike you, I was born and raisel in Dominica and I visit as often as school lets me, My family is still here, I know about the struggles of Dominicans because I lived and grew up poor here. But the best thing is that I never knew that I was poor because I had a really great mother. This is the type of people that are in Dominica strong, upfront and honest. I have every right to disagree and use descriptive words like “liar” to describe the prime minister of Dominica. I don’t have to come on hear and say how I can contribute to Dominica all the time, I know how and I have my own plans. This is a blog, you should expect people to use their “words” to express their opinion. There were no “f Bombs’ so please stop trying to say the words that you would like. You know so much about Dominica, I wonder if you ever listen to our Cabinet and Parlimentarians when they are in session, trust me its not the most timid of conversations. Skerritt is a liar and many of the former leaders of this country lost their way because they lie too much. Not only are they Liars but they womanize and they womanize young college girls blatantly in public. So please save all that what I plan to do for Dominica and don’t be afraid to use your words!
To be hungry or full, rich or poor – it is everywhere the same, don’t you agree?
More is matter what do you do with it, and how you can see yourself. That is most important thing. And I am glad, that you have real plans and take your steps. If everybody will do the same – the country will be fine.
Also, don’t you agree that the Government was choosed by the most people? So, when you describe the Government, you are actually give descriptions to the people, who chose it.
To be angry or to fight with each other – doesn’t solve the problems. It is just waste of time and adding more energy to with what you are fighting. As I think, better to shift the energy on how to achieve our goals, give real ideas, how to improve situation. It is my opinion. And as you said everybody have rights to express their opinion. Why do you want to stop me to express it?
P.S: There was some very distasteful conversation on this blog about different types of so called “birth controll’ methods written by Chris, it discussed that men should be pulling out blah, blah…” Please let me tell you that these are the wrong types of conversations to be having on this forum. Yes discussing credible and well research methods of birth control is okay but these kind of conversations on the blog aren’t educating any one and they are simple side shows. These are the topics that you should be careful about and ensure that the other editors on here use discretion when posting new topics!
As I know, DW have only the one editor - the author of DW idea.
In America, about 98% of incumbents get re-elected. It costs a fortune to run for any office, and so the politicians are effectively owned by the donor class. If you give a campaign under $1000 all you get is a request for more money. But if you give $10,000 (or over $100,000 for a presidential candidate) you may get to speak with someone on the campaign (but perhaps not the candidate, and certainly not alone, that’s for the really huge donors). The donor class wants it that way; there will never be effective campaign finance reform here.
So, democracy is dead in the USA. We don’t have the government we want, and we can’t do anything about it.
Hm… when it was president compaing, it was three candidates and nobody can’t tell, who will win. When Russia was shown in the news - everybody already knew, who will win.
Right you are. In Russia, democracy never lived. (One of my grandfathers fled Minsk because of religious persecution.) In America, it lived for a while, but is dying.
Dominica will alway be an ass because you all always eager to take “ti ti wi” instead of “filet mignon”. So because they giving a few people jobs in Dominica yeah we should just take an oil refinery that will basically ruin our country. We are moving into a new direction tourism, what sense does it make to add an oil refinery to a “nature island” ? Yes skerrit is very much incompetent. You need a business minded person and also a science person to run a country. He is niether! Dominicans shouldn’t take other country’s left over. WE ARE MORE THAN THAT!!!
Maybe if they stop romancing those little girls more than half their age this government can meet with eco-tourism enthuisiasts in America, New Zealand, Britian and offer them attractive incentives to visit our country. There are Geologists here in America, where I attend school who have conventions every year in different countries other than Dominica. The tourism minister is suppose to go out there attract these kind of people to Dominica, but what they do nothing basically. The same run arounds every year. Yeah you are right he trying because all these governments in Dominica ain’t worth shit!!! I will complain and complain and in a few years I will be able to do more than just complain. Thats how we get change they say, by complaining. So enjoy leftovers, but I know Dominicans don’t take leftovers . We love the good stuff!!!! Skerrit is incompetent!!!!!!
Dear Risking, did you read this article: http://www.dominica-oil.com/reviews/ten-questions-to-the-government.html
Do you have answers on these questions?
P.S; Your country is an ass because it have people like you here ready and eager to call it an “ass’”. If we get many people like you educated, maybe at a school or some adult education, maybe we can get Dominica to where it is suppose to be. Educate yourself cause knowledge is power and there’s nothing worse than uneducated people walking around in a country like Dominica struggling to make its way!
bold face dominica, i think you need to see a doctor or something, cuz you dont think like a human at all……u have no respect for no one and should be in no place to all any one a fool or a liar..cuz as the sayin goes “IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE”..
i wonder who or what raised you…..!!!!
STupess…yo mama that raise me and yes it does take one to know one. That why you know that I am a fool, because you are one too!!!!!!!! Well keep dancing on skerrit train, he will cut you all off at the foot. All I know skerrit is a liar because what he preached to us in CDCC all these years ago isn’t what he is practising at this time. There is nothing worse than people closing their eyes to ignorance, lies, leftovers. Its okay many of you all don’t know how better you can have if you simply elect the right set of people or at least learn from the bad leaders so you may select someone of substance rather than someone you mother know or someone who give you scraps. YES SCRAPPPS!!! hmm….”respect’ , no I don’t think have much of that for people who are incompetent or weaklings like yourself who keep jumping on a doomed train!
Please do not let them build an oil refinery in Dominica. I work and live not far from Sun Oil refinery AND BP refinery in Northwest Ohio, U.S.A. I know the strict regulations imposed on both of these plants (and sometimes they are not always followed… and sometimes stuff happens…) but I can’t imagine Dominica being able to impose such tight regulations on a refinery (especially when someone else is footing the bill?) I also don’t believe Dominica can generate enough energy or supply enough water to support a refinery, and the waste products??? I also can’t see Chavez letting Dominicans run the plant when he can send his own people to do it, so employment wouldn’t happen. A lot of pollution would, especially without regulation. Please do not spoil your island.
I certainly agree with Mari ann. Kindly do your homework before you support this refinery. There are many regulations placed on refineries all over the world. Many of these regulations don’t work! What ends up happening is no employment, tons of waste and your water resource used up to sustain this refinery. I know Dominicans are eager for jobs and money but this isn’t the right way to get it. If this refinery is built it will only provide minimal jobs and money for a limited time. Dominica has 365 rivers, after this well …you guys figure it out. Dominica’s recent government haven’t been the most forthcoming and I believe that important information isn’t being distributed to the citizens of this country. Why the government lead by PM Skerrit would even think of something like that on the “Nature Isle” is very surprising to me! I came home tis christmas and i saw more venezuelan soldiers here than before. Sure I appreciate their help with my island home, but I’m I think we are allowing this outside government to become to comfortable in Dominica.
What is wrong with all you!!!!!!!
we have a magor problem and all you fighting with each other?????????
calling each other bad names and writing words that dont make sense!!!
its verry childish and therefore the oil thing is still there up to now!
someone told me that shaves owns that peace of land to bild HIS oil thing
so what can we do about that …NOT A THING
do you know that that peace of land was given to his cuntry soo much years ago!
who are we to tell him not to put his oil thing there?
he will put it and no goverment can stop him!
the pm will get HIS money in his pokket to hush his mouth
THE ONLY THING I WOULD DO IS GO TO ALL ORGENISETIONS IN THE WORLD
WHO DEALS WITH NARURE TO CONFRONT SHAVERS
IF I COUL I WOULD GO ON THE STREETS OF DOMINICA AND ASK PEOPLE TO
COME AND GATHER TOGETHER IN PUBLIC TO TALK ABOUT THIS ISSUE
AND STAND STRONG TO FIGHT(with words) AGAINST THIS POLUTING PROBLEM
I AM SO PROUD OF THIS LITTLE ILAND
okay firstly “wakibuli”, please stop trying to give everyone on here an english lesson when your post has some serious issues with spelling. Like for example its chavez, not “shaves” “shavers”, Organization not “orgensetions”, nature not “narure” and lots more. Take your time to articulate your words before rebutting on other people’s comments. Its not only typos but your post as well doesn’t make sense. Even if Chaves owns land in Dominica, we are the citizens of this country, its our right to complain and dispute amongst each other. Off course, we know that the PM has his little indiscretions going on, I mean isn’t it obvious? The Dominican government both the current in power and those before, have been selling of Dominican land to private foreign owned company and schools for a while now. Many Dominicans aren’t even aware that this is going on. Most Dominicans don’t even have land but, we support governments who sell ours to other people. Dominica maybe become another caribbean statistic like Jamaica!
Hello Dominica! Okay, I have been reading all these comments and I must say, “Oh my!” So now I will tell you all, my thoughts. And thats not to assume that anyone cares but here goes: I spent 2 years hoping islands to look for a place to invest. Dominica is the most beautiful island and the people are extremely friendly. So, I buy 5.5 acres on the coast with plans to build and develop a small hotel/resort. Not big, maybe 10-15 villas. I would employ 6-12 persons depending on business and season. Like I said, it is not a big project. But, I have put my plans on hold for 2 years, to see where this oil thing goes.
I am, and always will be a visitor to Dominica at the gracious invitation of its people and Dominica is for Dominicans to decide where Dominica goes. Not my business no matter how much I would invest there. Thats just how it is. I am a guest, period. If Dominicans decide to build a refinery on the island, that is for them to decide. However, I will not build a hotel, I will not put 6-12 people to work, and I will sell the land that I have bought and continue looking for a place to invest. It will not change my feelings about Dominica or its people, and I will still come to visit, but I would not invest my $2,000,000 US there. And like I said, this doesn’t imply that I think anyone in Dominica does or should care, it is just my feelings, plane and simple.
First of all, I happened upon this blog while doing research on Dominica. I thought long and hard before weighing in after reading the long strings of dialogue regarding an Oil Refinery, and felt that I would like to say something. Someone hit the nail on the head when they stated that these blogs can be seen from anywhere in the world, so what you express, not only sheds light on your island nation, but people’s perception of its citizenry as a whole (right or wrong). I’m an American who is coming to Dominica for a 2 week vacation. I too am scouting locations to invest my retirement dollars and Dominica has that magical charm for me due to its beautiful natural scenery and slow pace of life. A refinery would alter that, and affect other outside investments in Dominica.
Dominica, in my opinion, should welcome not only tourists, but retirees. For one, retirees will become Dominicans and are bringing investment dollars with them. I would rather collect my retirement money from the U.S. and spend it in Dominican stores, pay for help around the house, and invest in local businesses than in the U.S. Contrary to what I have read on many of these blogs, America does have a broken democracy, but what democracy in the world is the ideal? Hundreds of thousands pour into the country illegally looking for a better life. America is a melting pot for peoples from all over the world. I work with people from 38 countries alone in my office. I have graduated college with students from Iceland, New Zealand, Somalia and countless European countries including Maritus (ever hear of that one?) My roommate (before marriage) is a practicing Muslim from Algeria (I’m a practing Christian) To this day, he is my best friend. For all of its ills, America is still a great place.
Dominica would do well to tout its tourism better here in the states. You have a wealthy northern neighbor and nobody has ever heard of you. Retirees could invest millions of dollars into your economy, and provide an educational resource. I have a professional degree and I work in a profession that sends me all over the world. I plan on bringing quite an investment with me should I purchase there following my summer vacation. Americans don’t mind foreigners buying in America. Americans do not like illegals stealing jobs, increasing crime and getting aid for nothing (they evade paying taxes forcing the burden on the rest of us)
Building the Refinery would severely hurt Dominica and the payout is short term. Continue investing in your geothermal capabilities and you will have been taught to fish and feed yourselves for a very long time.
todd i agree with you on many points , but there is just one thing I would have to disagree is that one person can reflect a group as a whole. For example I live in the U.S, I’m Dominican, who has experienced my share of racism, but I won’t say thats reflective of all America. Humans are quite smart and I think we should give ourselves credit. Many people who blame a whole group rather than the source usually seek an easy excuse to default on an agreement, to switch blame away from themselves the source of the problem. Its an easy way out. As for “illegals”, I don’t consider human beings as illegals or “aliens”. No land is ours and if all realize that ,we might find alternative ways of describing persons of other nationalities, who seek a better life. Many of those illegals pick the oranges for your morning breakfast, they build homes and commercial property, they work hard. There are some who commit crime, but its the same for America’s own citizens who commit crimes within many communities. Similarly there are Americans participating in crimes over world. We are humans every “race” have its good and bad. Illegals don’t steal jobs, nobody really actually do that. American companies, builders hire these “illegals” willingly, knowing that they are not properly documented because don’t have to pay employment tax for an additional worker especially one without work permit. So if you want to blame anyone for that blame the companies who do that. Plus if you are a qualified team player many American companies will hire you!
Remember when you visit other countries including mexico they refer to you as a Tourists or an American, why don’t you do the same for those not properly documented. Afterall they are people to. Don’t be to quick to judge. America “freedom and justice for all”.
D.A. - Amen, brother. I am an immigrant from Canada to the US (now a naturalized US citizen) and my wife is a legal immigrant from Ukraine. It drives me nuts when I hear words such as ‘illegals’ or ‘alien’ here in the US. We have swung off topic, but I wanted to vent.
As for the oil refinery…bad idea. I don’t have an issue with the leasing of oil drilling rights, but I do have an issue with a refinery in Dominica. Stay a natural paradise. Lure investment via tourism and retirement. You have a 30 year window of North American Baby Boomers looking to retire and take their American dollars some place else. Pull them in and uplift your infrastructure with the benefits of their money. Keep your island clean!